Liverpool Hope University, BA (Hons), Disability Studies and Psychology

Disability studies Modules will focus upon current practice and contemporary issues as well as the historical context from which these emanate; this wide-ranging course is designed to stimulate the student’s awareness and increase their understanding on a personal, intellectual, moral, ethical and professional level. Level 1: Core areas of study: The module, conceptualising disability, considers diverse attitudes and approaches to disability from historical, legislative and ethical perspectives; this provides the understanding for current thinking on issues of inclusion. Level 2: the effective practice module (including a placement) is compulsory; optional modules may include: cognitive, behavioural and mental health difficulties; physical and sensory disability; disability and the family. Level 3: optional modules may include: ethical issues; therapeutic approaches; policy, practice and management in special educational needs (SEN); if the student is majoring in disability studies the research project module is compulsory. Psychology In addition to psychological theory and research methods, there are opportunities to engage in personal development planning within the programme and develop the independent skills required during the final 2 years of the degree programme. Level 1: foundations of psychology introduces key areas of psychology including social, developmental and cognitive psychology, psychobiology and research methods. Level 2: the key areas of social and cognitive psychology, psychobiology and research methods are studied in more depth; they are encompassed within 2 modules: researching the social world; mind, brain and behaviour; the student may be able to choose from further modules which may include: applying psychology: explorations of mind, body and spirit; psychologising (available at Hope Park only). Level 3: modules available may include: forensic psychology; perspectives on anomalous experience; human development, personality and individual differences.

This is a combined Honours programme which allows the student to combine the 2 subjects; the disability studies course represents an opportunity to engage with extremely topical issues relating to disability throughout society and across the lifespan; the course offers the student the opportunity to examine society’s response to its members with disabilities; the psychology course offers the student the opportunity to study and research such diverse topics as: why people commit criminal offences; how children learn to read; what functions of the brain are impacted upon when someone sustains a serious head injury; when would be the most suitable time to intervene in an international conflict? the course is suitable for students who are interested in learning about why people and animals behave in the way that they do, as well the processes involved in thinking, remembering and understanding the world we live in.